Almost-Winter is Upon Us

Well, the days of almost winter are upon us. Snowsuits one day, riding scooters the next. Wet mitts, wet boots, happy, tired kids. The days start dark. Dark enough for the 4yo to call it ‘night’ and stand her ground when being corrected.

There are some advantages this year over last. They can tell if they have to pee first (maybe next year I won’t still remind them anyway) and more importantly, they can put on their own snowsuits. All of us putting our snowsuits on at the same time?? Talk about time savings!!

Remember, outside in the cold isn’t just about playing, it’s also filled with real-life science! Why is dad’s snowman ball so much harder to destroy than their own? Why are the ‘Canadian Sidewalk Chalk’ crumbs melting so fast on the pavement? Why do snowballs with leaves in them look like ‘that kind’ of yellow snow? Why should you dress in layers? Why shouldn’t you try to go straight if your scooter rides over ice?

There’s no better throwing practice for kids than snowballs that you don’t need to go get or have someone to throw back to you in order to throw again. Parkour for newbies is perfect when your any-distance jumps are surrounded by soft landings at any angle.

Creativity? You never know when a 4yo might want to make her own snow dance floor!

Remember: It’s not cold outside if you are warm. The outside temperature only decides which clothes you need to wear. All the fun you need is still out there.